Classy Lazzura Eyes The Invitation Following Golden Pendant Triumph

With her victory in the Golden Pendant, Lazzura has now boosted her career earnings beyond the $2 million mark. This significant win has prompted trainer Chris Waller to draw comparisons between her and the accomplished mares Red Tracer and Catkins.

Despite being a Group 1 winner in the Coolmore Classic, the five-year-old mare does not possess the same superstar aura as stablemates Autumn Glow or even Aeliana. Nevertheless, she has proven to be a reliable performer for the stable, boasting seven wins from her 19 career starts.

Catkins achieved a record of 16 wins from 38 races, while Red Tracer secured 15 wins from 38 starts. Should Lazzura continue to perform at her current success rate, she is poised to retire with a similar career tally.

"She's a darling. She's one of those Catkins, Red Tracer type horses. She's finding her mould and getting her confidence," Waller remarked.

"Only a small field, but she ended up getting a lovely run. Gangsta Granny was the horse to beat and the horse to follow, so it was good to be able to track that horse.

"The other horse (Verona Rose) came late but she held it off well."

Lazzura, sent off as the $1.85 favourite, triumphed by a margin of 1-1/4 lengths over Verona Rose, who was priced at $13. Modella ($6.50) finished in third place, a further neck behind, and Gangsta Granny ($6) weakened in the run to finish fifth.

Waller's plan is to aim Lazzura directly at The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on October 24, potentially without another preparatory run. A subsequent campaign in Melbourne is also on the cards, with a possible start in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m).

Jockey James McDonald, who partnered Lazzura to victory, expressed his belief that the mare has the potential to contend in another major race this season and indicated that she still possesses untapped ability.

"She has been well placed all her life and is just a good horse," McDonald said.

"I think she can improve again, too. She has some tougher tasks ahead, but she deserves to be in those good races."

The prestigious Group 1 C F Orr Stakes, contested over 1400m, is scheduled to be held at Sandown on November 14 this year.

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